GDP Script/ Top Stories for September 18th Publish Date: September 18th From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Wednesday, September 18th and Happy 65th Birthday to MLB HOF Ryan Sandberg ***09.18.24 – BIRTHDAY – RYNE SANDBERG*** I’m Keith Ippolito and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Gwinnett Buying Macy's Store At Former Gwinnett Place Mall4-H Farm Friends Exhibit Introduces Families To Animals At The Gwinnett County FairNorth Gwinnett Student Named To National Society of High School Scholars Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on Fiber. All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: KIA MOG STORY 1: Gwinnett Buying Macy's Store At Former Gwinnett Place Mall Gwinnett County leaders have authorized the issuance of revenue bonds to finance the $16.5 million purchase of Macy's department and furniture stores at the former Gwinnett Place Mall. This acquisition adds 23 acres to the 39 acres already owned by the county, furthering redevelopment plans for the site. The purchase, set to close in November, marks a crucial step in revitalizing the area, with plans for a mixed-use "Global Villages" development featuring residential, retail, green spaces, and a cultural center. This move aims to stimulate growth and support surrounding businesses, enhancing the county's central business district. The bonds, capped at $18 million with a maximum interest rate of 7%, will facilitate this transformative project. STORY 2: 4-H Farm Friends Exhibit Introduces Families To Animals At The Gwinnett County Fair Ellie Mae, a 14-year-old donkey, is a beloved resident of the 4-H Farm Friends exhibit at the Gwinnett County Fair. Having been born at the fair in 2010, she has become a familiar face and a highlight for many attendees, including Gwinnett County Police Officer David Itani, who visits her daily. Despite her teenage aloofness, Ellie Mae enjoys gentle attention, particularly from Officer Itani. The exhibit offers families the chance to interact with various farm animals for a small fee, providing a unique experience for children while serving as the biggest fundraiser for the Gwinnett 4-H program. The funds support 4-H initiatives, such as public speaking competitions and judging activities, underscoring the exhibit's importance to both the community and the development of young participants. STORY 3: North Gwinnett Student Named To National Society of High School Scholars Malik M Roberts, a student from North Gwinnett High School, has been honored with membership in the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). This prestigious recognition highlights Malik's exemplary leadership, scholarship, and community involvement. Announced by NSHSS President James W. Lewis, and co-founded by Claes Nobel, the Society aims to support top scholars through their academic journey. As a lifetime member, Malik will gain access to a supportive community and resources designed to enhance his academic success and career readiness, aligning with NSHSS’s mission to nurture the potential of outstanding young students. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: Tom Wages (OBITS) STORY 4: Rainbow Village's 'We Are Family' Gala Raises More Than $380K The Rainbow Village "We Are Family" Benefit Gala, held on September 7 at the Atlanta Athletic Club, successfully raised over $380,000 to support the Duluth-based nonprofit's mission to end homelessness "one family at a time." With Northside Hospital as the presenting sponsor, the gala exceeded expectations during the "Fund Our Mission" segment, raising $92,200 in just 20 minutes, surpassing the $75,000 goal. Key highlights included a champagne reception, dinner, auctions, and the presentation of the 2024 Joel P. Hudson Humanitarian Award to Cole Porter of Porter Steel. The funds will aid in maintaining Rainbow Village's 2.5-acre campus, which provides transitional housing and support services. The next fundraising event, "Pickleball for a Purpose," will be hosted by Ordner Construction at Pickle and Social Gwinnett in Buford on November 16. For more information or to donate, visit RainbowVillage.org. STORY 5: Gwinnett wants business owners, residents to participate in first disparity study Gwinnett County is launching its first disparity study to explore challenges faced by small businesses in securing government contracts. To gather community input, two meetings are scheduled this week: an in-person session at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at George Pierce Park Community Room in Suwanee, and a Zoom meeting at 2 p.m. on Thursday. Led by Griffin & Strong P.C., the study aims to identify barriers for small and underrepresented businesses in county contracting, with the goal of fostering a ...
